Burglars haul away firearms, electronics

More than $16,000 in firearms and electronics were taken from a home in northeast Medford after bold burglary suspects entered through an open window during the day, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department reported.

More than $16,000 in firearms and electronics were taken from a home in northeast Medford after bold burglary suspects entered through an open window during the day, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department reported.

The Sheriff's Department said in a news release that residents of a home in the 3600 block of Dodson Drive discovered the crime when they returned home Thursday, April 25, after being gone from 9:50 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Investigators determined the burglars pulled off a screen covering and came in through a window that had been left open. They swiped 13 guns — a mix of rifles and pistols — an Apple iPad, and a laptop computer, police said. Several doors were open, and parts of the home had been ransacked. Police believe the suspects' main focus was on the guns.

The total estimated value of the loss was about $16,650, police said.

Sheriff's Department officials said daylight burglaries are uncommon because of the increased risk of being spotted.

"We don't see it very often," said department spokeswoman Andrea Carlson.

Burglary-related crimes are on the rise across the Rogue Valley. In the last month, there were three attempted burglaries and an armed robbery reported in one east Medford neighborhood. The latter resulted in an attack on a 77-year-old man and his 72-year-old wife.

Police said Rogue Valley residents should be aware of the uptick in these types of crimes and take steps to prevent them.

"Anytime you're not going to be home, it's a good idea to make sure all your windows are locked, all your doors closed," Carlson said. "Just about every (police) agency has seen an increase."

Police and Crime Stoppers of Southern Oregon are asking for the public's help in the Dodson Drive case. Calls can be made to the Sheriff's Department tip line at 541-774-8333 or to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-850-0580. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case or other open ones. Callers can remain anonymous.

Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or by email at rpfeil@mailtribune.com.